Meet our Educator - Sapna Nand

 My role as the Senior Patient Educator at Glaucoma Australia allows me to use my years of experience as an Orthoptist to directly make a difference in the lives of our community affected by glaucoma.

I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2008 completing my Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics). Since graduation, I worked in wonderful private ophthalmology clinics, busy public hospital eye clinics, and Clinical Trials in retinal diseases. After years of working as a Clinical Orthoptist, I wanted a role that was more rewarding, one that allowed me to spend more time with patients and understand the impact an eye condition has on their lives, not just their sight. I also wanted to retain and use my skills and knowledge gained over the years working in a clinical setting.
  
Landing a role as an Orthoptist Patient Educator at Glaucoma Australia was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time as I was letting go of the clinical environment for a “office setting” which was very unfamiliar to me. However, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding steps I took in my career! As a clinician, I often did not get the chance to understand or consider what our patients experience before and after their eye care appointments. But this role allows me to see the person and their journey behind the diagnosis. 

Glaucoma is a slow progressing disease that can have life changing effects on not only adults, but also children diagnosed with it and their families. By having the opportunity to educate patients on glaucoma and providing them with emotional support throughout their journey, my team and I can help increase appointments and treatment adherence, and we can help detect undiagnosed cases. All this work helps prevent irreversible blindness from glaucoma and maintains a positive quality of life for people living with glaucoma. Our collective knowledge on glaucoma and experience working as Clinical/Research Orthoptists can make a wonderful impact on the lives of our patients, help save their sight from glaucoma, and help them get on with their lives. 

My goal for the new future is to embark on post graduate studies to become a qualified Counsellor. I believe my qualification as an eye care professional, combined with a formal qualification with psychotherapy will greatly help me with my role as a Patient Educator and benefit the individuals and families supported by Glaucoma Australia.

To speak to our Orthoptist Educator call our free support line on 1800 500 880.